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Ptelea L. (Rutaceae)

A genus of about eleven species of small trees; North America (south into Mexico).

One species occurs in North Carolina: Ptelea trifoliata (Hop-tree). It is native to the state.

Only one other small tree in North Carolina exhibits trifoliolate leaves: Staphylea trifolia (Bladdernut; Staphyleaceae). However, in P. trifoliata the leaves are borne alternately, whereas in S. trifolia, the leaves are born oppositely.


Bark of Ptelea trifoliata
Bark of Ptelea trifoliata (Copyright W. Cook)
Twigs of Ptelea trifoliata
Twigs of Ptelea trifoliata (coming soon)
Leaves and flowers of Ptelea trifoliata
Leaves and flowers of Ptelea trifoliata (Copyright W. Cook)
Flowers of Ptelea trifoliata
Flowers of Ptelea trifoliata (Copyright W. Cook)
Samaras of Ptelea trifoliata
Samaras of Ptelea trifoliata (Copyright W. Cook)
N.C. distribution of Ptelea trifoliata
N.C. distribution of Ptelea trifoliata

Ptelea trifoliata (Hop-tree)
(Uncommon; rocky bluffs, especially calcareous or mafic, open woodlands, calcareous CP river bluffs, granitic domes; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Apr-Jun. Fr: Jun-Aug)